The Oyo State Police Command has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging the movement and infiltration of suspected Lukarawa terrorists into forests around Ogbomoso and the Old Oyo National Park, describing the claims as false, misleading and lacking any factual basis.
In a statement issued on June 10, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command had reviewed the video and accompanying voice note currently being circulated and found no intelligence or security report to support the allegations.
According to the command, comprehensive intelligence assessments available to it do not indicate the existence of any terrorist movement or infiltration within the areas mentioned.
The police further disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the video being circulated is not recent but an old clip that has been deliberately recycled and misrepresented to create fear, panic and apprehension among residents of the state.
The command therefore urged members of the public to avoid sharing unverified security-related information and to always confirm such reports through official sources before disseminating them.
Despite dismissing the claims, the command said it remains proactive in ensuring the safety of residents and has strategically deployed intelligence and covert operatives to border communities and other vulnerable locations around the affected axis to reinforce existing security measures and early warning systems.
According to the statement, the operatives are working closely with local security structures, community-based intelligence networks, traditional institutions, hunters, vigilante groups and other stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering, improve information sharing and ensure rapid response to any emerging security threats.
The command added that visibility policing, confidence-building patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations and strategic deployments had been intensified across Ogbomoso, the Old Oyo National Park axis and adjoining border communities.
It noted that the measures were aimed at reassuring residents, deterring criminal activities and sustaining peace and security in the area.
The police called on residents, especially those in border communities and rural settlements, to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station or other security formations through established emergency channels.
The command also expressed concern over what it described as the growing trend of fake news, misinformation and unverified security alerts being deliberately spread on social media platforms.
It warned that such reports are capable of causing unnecessary panic, creating fear among law-abiding citizens, disrupting economic activities, undermining public confidence and diverting security resources from genuine concerns.
According to the command, the dissemination of false security information is irresponsible, unethical and constitutes a criminal offence punishable under existing laws.
The police warned individuals and groups involved in originating, publishing or circulating false information intended to cause public alarm or destabilise the peace and security of the state to desist immediately.
It vowed that the Nigeria Police Force would spare no effort in identifying, investigating, arresting and prosecuting anyone found culpable of spreading falsehood capable of jeopardising public peace and security.
Reassuring residents, the command maintained that there is currently no credible intelligence suggesting the presence or infiltration of the alleged terrorist group in Oyo State.
It therefore urged citizens to remain calm, go about their lawful activities without fear and rely only on verified information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies.
The command advised members of the public to disregard the video and voice note in their entirety, stressing that through vigilance, responsible information sharing and sustained cooperation with security agencies, Oyo State would remain safe, peaceful and secure.
